Phototherapy
Treatments
Phototherapy is a treatment based on exposure to intense artificial light to treat sleep disorders, seasonal affective disorders (SAD) and other conditions related to the circadian rhythm. It is used to adjust the biological clock and improve the synchronization of the sleep-wake cycle.
Basic principles of phototherapy
- Intense light: Bright white light lamps (generally 2,500 to 10,000 lux) or short-wave blue light, which imitates sunlight, are used.
- Lately, GLASSES are used with intense light, which simulate sunlight. They are very useful and comfortable. In the Nordic countries, with serious deficiencies of sunlight in long seasonal periods, the government makes them available to its citizens in public establishments (bars, etc.)
- Duration: From 20 to 60 minutes per session, depending on the intensity and therapeutic objective.
- Schedule: The time of day in which it is applied is key to its effectiveness:
Early in the morning: Advances the circadian rhythm (useful in delayed phase insomnia and seasonal depression).
In the afternoon or night: Delays the circadian rhythm (useful in advanced phase insomnia or night shifts). - Distancia si son lamparas: La luz debe recibirse a unos 30-50 cm de la fuente sin mirar directamente.
Phototherapy and sleep disorders
- Delayed sleep phase syndrome: People who fall asleep and wake up very late. Exposure to bright light in the morning can advance the biological clock.
- Delayed sleep phase syndrome: People who fall asleep and wake up very late. Exposure to bright light in the morning can advance the biological clock.
- Insomnia: It can improve insomnia associated with deregulated circadian rhythms.
- Sleep disorder during night work shifts: Helps adapt the circadian cycle to atypical work schedules.
- Jet lag: Reduces the effects of jet lag after transmeridian travel.
Phototherapy and mental health
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): It is used especially in autumn and winter to treat seasonal depression.
- Non-seasonal major depression: Phototherapy has been shown to be effective in some cases as a complement to antidepressants.
- Bipolar disorder: May help regulate circadian rhythm, but should be used with caution to avoid manic episodes.
Precautions and side effects
Possible adverse effects:
- Headache, eye fatigue, insomnia if used in the afternoon, irritability.
- It is not recommended for people with light-sensitive eye diseases or a history of bipolar disorder without medical supervision.
- It is important to avoid blue light at night, as it can suppress melatonin and make it difficult to sleep.